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Book of the Month September 2021 Review + Coupon

Brandi D.
ByBrandi D.Sep 23, 2021 | 0 comments

Book of the Month
4.1 overall rating
37 Ratings | 13 Reviews

Book of the Month is a monthly book subscription box. Each month, five curators pick out their favorite new hardcover books, and you can choose which one you want to receive on the first of the month for $14.99/month. You can also add up to two additional books for only $9.99 each. (This box was named one of the best subscriptions under $15 by MSA readers in the 2021 Subscription Box Awards.)

This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

First Impressions

This book sounded intriguing with a scandalous Desperate Housewives vibe so I figured it would be entertaining if nothing else!

Book Summary from Amazon:

With its sprawling yards and excellent schools, Cottonwood Estates is the perfect place to raise children. The Cottonwood Book Club serves as the subdivision’s eyes and ears, meeting once a month for discussion, gossip, and cocktails. If their selections trend toward twisty thrillers and salacious murder mysteries, it’s only because the members feel secure that such evil has no place in their own cul-de-sacs.

Or does it?

What happened to Lena’s family fifteen years ago was a tragic accident, and she will never admit otherwise. Devoted wife and mother Annie refuses to acknowledge―even to herself―the weight of a past shame. And new resident Jen wants friends, but as always, worry about her troubled son gets in the way.

When late-night acts of vandalism target the women of the book club in increasingly violent and personal ways, they will be forced to decide how far to go to keep their secrets. At least they all agree on what’s most important: protecting their children at any cost―even if it means someone has to die.

My BOTM Pick for September

The Neighbor's Secret by L. Alison Heller - Retail Value $27.99 (On sale for $24.99)

 

Immediately I was drawn into a world that I think is somewhat familiar in the way it describes these women who all have a facade that they portray to the public, in this case, their neighbors and book club friends. The women we meet more in-depth, Annie and Jen are pretty relatable and likable, but it is quickly made clear that they both have their secrets and insecurities. Lena is another main character who is even more mysterious with a definite past that is shrouded in mystery. For the most part, it seems like it would be just another story about friendship, but then there are these intriguing snippets that hint at tragedy to draw you in a little deeper as you wonder what is about to happen, or what has already happened!

This story didn't flow as well as it could have for me with so many characters and storylines to keep track of, all of which we only get brief glimpses of. It wasn't quite enough to grab me and hold my attention, instead, I found myself wanting to skip ahead to see what all the fuss was about! The story is definitely intriguing, but I think if everyone had been a bit more clearly defined, I would have been able to keep track of it better and been more engaged. I won't say that I'm not enjoying it, but it just wasn't as gripping as I was hoping. But who knows? Maybe the ending will blow me away!

Each month, Book of the Month includes a bookmark for you as well.

If you picked this book this month, please let me know what you think of it!

Value - Was This Box Worth It?

The Cost: $14.99 + free shipping

Value Breakdown: This box costs $14.99, but the book I chose retails for $27.99 which is a savings of about $13. I love that I get to try out new genres each month for less than what retail costs and this month's pick is pretty entertaining, so I am pleased with the value I received!

Key Takeaways

This month's pick had an intriguing concept and I felt that I might be able to relate to some of the characters, but unfortunately, that wasn't exactly the case. These women lead some very different lives and have a lot of hidden secrets, all of which make for an entertaining story. While I wish it flowed a little better, it still served its purpose for me this month!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this book if you sign up today? Yes, order now for the September selections! If you miss out, you can also choose from past picks to start your subscription.

What do you think of the Book of the Month subscription? Let us know below with your own review!

Starting at $17.99
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Book of the Month is a popular online subscription service for books that helps millennial women discover the best new reads. We announce a curated selection of between 5 - 7 new and early release hardcover books every month. Members choose one on the site, and we ship it to them in a bright blue... read more.

Brandi D.
Brandi D.

I am a homeschooling mom to 4 kids; 1 girl and 3 boys. While I have been reviewing boxes since 2018 and I love the luxury of trying new products, I'm also balancing it out by dabbling in a little bit of homesteading, too. We now have 4 chickens and a rabbit and my sourdough starter is going strong! I love learning about new brands and sharing the great things I find with others in hopes that they find something new to love or to fit their needs!


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